Her Story
Maya Akai’s path to advocacy and speaking was forged through decades of frontline work in mental health, broadcasting, and social services. She brings a rare combination of clinical depth and public voice—someone who has sat with individuals in crisis and also stepped onto stages to shift how we talk about wellness, resilience, and leadership.
Her approach is modern and confident: not clinical, but grounded in evidence and lived experience. She meets audiences where they are and equips them with frameworks that stick.
Professional Journey
From early roles in community mental health and substance use services to her work in broadcast media, Maya has consistently bridged the gap between professional expertise and public conversation. She has led teams, advised organizations, and developed programs that put mental wellness at the center of culture and policy.
Today she focuses on keynotes, workshops, and her podcast—reaching leaders, educators, and everyday people who are ready to reclaim their mental clarity and lead with mindfulness.
She also advocates for educating men and women on the menopausal transition—how disruptive it can be not only physically but also in terms of the significant mental health implications for many women—through her Me On Pause initiative and related work.
Advocacy Mission
Maya is driven by a simple belief: that clarity, resilience, and purpose are not luxuries—they are foundations. Her advocacy centers on reducing stigma, expanding access to mental wellness resources, and helping organizations build cultures where people can thrive.
She works with corporations, schools, and community organizations to embed mindfulness and mental strength into how we lead, learn, and live.
Education and Credentials
Maya holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and is licensed as an LCPC. She is currently a PhD candidate; her research focuses on menopause and mental health, and on scaling up awareness of mental wellness in traditional healthcare settings. Her background in broadcasting and social services gives her a unique lens for communication and impact.
Credentials: MA, LCPC | PhD Candidate (Menopause & Mental Health)
Writing & The M.A.Y.A. Experience
Maya is an Executive Contributor at Brainz Magazine, where she writes on mindfulness, resilience, and leadership. She also created The M.A.Y.A. Experience app—available in the Apple and Amazon stores—so you can take mindfulness and reflection on the go.
